California shooting: Christian who fled to US to escape Islamic extremism among 14 victims
A CHRISTIAN who fled to America to escape Islamic persecution of Christians was among 14 victims when a devout Muslim and his wife opened fire on a work Christmas party.
By Scott Campbell
PUBLISHED: 04:32, Fri, Dec 4, 2015 | UPDATED: 05:12, Fri, Dec 4, 2015
Benneta Betbadal left Iran in 1969 during a raft of extremism and eventually moved to Rialto in California where she had three children aged 10, 12 and 15.
Friends say the 46-year-old loved her “job, her community and her country” but most importantly her husband and “large extended family”.
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Distraught Ken Paulson, who created a page to raise funds for Ms Betbadal’s children, wrote online: “Benneta left the house Wednesday morning, excited about a presentation she was scheduled to give to her supervisors and coworkers at their annual meeting.
“It is the ultimate irony that her life would be stolen from her that day by what appears to be the same type of extremism that she fled so many years ago.”
The rest of the victims in Wednesday’s California shooting rampage ranged in age from 26 to 60 and 12 of them were county employees, officials said.
Sheriff John McMahon said: ”This shooting has caused each victims family, friends and co-workers, along with the first responders, to suffer an enormous personal tragedy.
“We must stand strong and offer support to each individual affected by this senseless attack.”
Another victim was Nicholas Thalasinos, a Messianic Jew who wore a tie clip with the Star of David.
It is thought that the 52-year-old restaurant inspector had an argument with suspect Syed Farook about Islam just two weeks before the tragedy.
Mr Thalasinos’ wife, Jennifer, said: "My husband was just a very devout believer.
"He became born again a couple of years ago and because of that I had a very strong faith, so I know that he's in a much better place."
60-year-old Isaac Amanios, another victim, is survived by his wife and three adult children.
Multiple gunmen opened fire at a social services party in San Bernardino in California. Around 14 people have been killed in the attack.
Meanwhile Aurora Godoy, 26, was the youngest of those killed when Farook stormed San Bernardino County Public Health Department dressed in battle gear with his wife Tashfeen Malik, 27.
Others who lost their lives included 42-year-old Larry Kaufman, 42, who ran the building’s coffee shop and Robert Adams, 40, who leaves behind a one-year-old daughter.
Michael Wetzel, 37, is survived by his wife Renee and six children, ranging in age from 1 year old to 14. He was a spiritual leader to his family, according to his pastor Rod Akins.
The rest of the victims are: health inspector Shannon Johnson, 45; Harry Bowman, 46; Yvette Velasco, 27; Sierra Clayborn, 27; Tin Nguyen, 31; Juan Espinoza, 50; Damian Meins, 58.
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http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/624169/San-Bernardino-shooting-victims-California-US-Benneta-Betbadal-Nicholas-Thalasinos-tribute
